Beaded, Fringed Cha-Cha Bracelet

Materials

12" medium-weight stringing cord
nylon beading thread
toggle-style clasp
"E" beads, several ounces
small glass beads, several ounces
small metal charms
tube-style crimp beads
clear nail polish
beading needle
wire cutters
crimping pliers
beeswax
scissors
bead tray
ruler

1. To create the base bracelet: Attach one end of toggle clasp to stringing cord by sliding tube crimp onto cord, then bringing end of cord through toggle clasp and then back through the tube crimp. Use crimping pliers to crush the crimp, following the instructions on the package (figure A).

2. Slide "E" beads onto stringing cord to fill a length of your wrist size, plus 1 inch. Vary the colors of these beads as desired (figure B).

3. Attach other end of clasp, using same procedure as in step 1 (figure C).

4. To create the fringe: Thread the needle with approximately 36 inches of beading thread. Double the thread by bringing the cut ends together. Start a few beads from one end and insert the needle through the last two or three beads, making sure not to go through the end bead (figure D). Pull thread through the beads and stop when the thread tails just disappear into the last bead.

5. To anchor the thread: Tie a half hitch knot around the stringing cord by wrapping the thread around the cord and passing the needle through the loop (figure E) before pulling it tight (figure F). Dip the tip of the needle into clear nail polish and swipe polish onto the knot to securely seal it. Wait a few seconds for the polish to set. Use this method to begin and end threads. Different fringe styles are outlined below. Tip: Be sure to anchor each individual fringe with a half hitch. This will keep all the beads from falling off if just one fringe thread breaks.

6. Fill the length of the bracelet with fringes. If you like, go back and add a second row of fringe. This will create a full, fluffy bracelet.

1. Begin by sliding several beads onto the thread (figure G).

2. Put a small bead on the end and pass back through the beads that were just added (figure H).

3. Pull the bead thread so the beads are snug, but not tight. Put a half hitch at the base of this fringe (figure I).

4. Variation: Try adding three or four small beads to make a small knot.

1. Slide several beads onto the thread.

2. Put four to five small beads on the end and pass back up through the beads on that were first added.

3. Pull the bead thread so the beads are snug, but not tight.

4. Put a half hitch at the base of this fringe.

1. Slide several beads onto the thread.

2. Put three small beads on, add a metal charm and add three more small beads (figure J).

3. Pass back up through the beads on that were first added.

4. Pull the bead thread so the beads are snug, but not tight (figure K).

5. Put a half hitch at the base of this fringe.

Branched Fringe

1. Slide on about 1-1/2 to 2 inches of beads.

2. Add a small bead to the end and pass back through three or four beads, coming out the side (figure L).

3. Add several more small beads. Put one on the end and pass back through the small branch and up into the main fringe (figure M).

4. Go up through several more beads and repeat, making a branch (figure N).

5. Continue up the length of the fringe. Put a half hitch at the base of this fringe.